Indonesian gambling suspect held at Bangkok hotel

Thai immigration police have arrested a 39-year-old Indonesian national wanted by authorities in Indonesia over alleged online gambling money laundering and unauthorised computer data offences.

The man, identified only as Mr Frank, was detained outside a hotel in Bangkok's Sukhumvit area after Thai authorities revoked his permission to stay in the kingdom.

Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, ordered the operation. It was led by Pol Col Thawatchai Narinrat, superintendent of Division 1 of the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division, working alongside officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division.

Embassy request led to search

The Indonesian Embassy had asked Thailand to help trace Mr Frank, who was the subject of an Indonesian arrest warrant, according to immigration police.

Investigators said he was a key figure who allegedly instructed associates to manage bank accounts and company cheque books. These were allegedly used to transfer and launder money from an online gambling network.

He is also accused of importing computer data without authorisation.

Police said they learned that Mr Frank had been hiding in the Sukhumvit area and placed the hotel under surveillance. Officers moved in when he was seen leaving the property and took him into custody.

He was transferred to Division 3 of the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division for processing ahead of procedures to send him back to Indonesia to face further action.

Thailand has regularly targeted online gambling operations and financial activity linked to suspected fraud or money laundering. Everyone is advised to take particular care over allowing bank accounts, company documents or financial details to be used by others.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

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24 September 2026

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